The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which will hold a summit with Japan in Tokyo on Sunday to mark 50 years of ties, has built relations of trust with the country and generally welcome it playing a bigger security role in the region, amid China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
No nation or international organisation has indicated a willingness to administer the war-torn city, notes the retired general, who spoke at a forum in Singapore.
Listen to the 2023 State of Asia Address on key issues playing in Asia and how they impact the world, delivered by Singaporean diplomatic veteran Bilahari Kausikan.